In the NFL Preseason Week 2 matchup, the Dallas Cowboys secured a 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. While much attention was on the quarterback competition between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell for the Raiders, another significant moment came when Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey successfully made a 66-yard field goal just before halftime, demonstrating impressive range.
Regarding the quarterback battle, Minshew’s performance was underwhelming, marked by a turnover-worthy play that should have resulted in a pick-six. This mistake is likely to negatively impact his Pro Football Focus (PFF) overall grade. O’Connell, who is seemingly closer to clinching the starting quarterback role, also had his struggles, committing two turnover-worthy plays, one of which resulted in an actual pick-six. Despite these issues, O’Connell appears to be edging out Minshew in the competition.
As for the Dallas Cowboys, their victory in this preseason game was highlighted by a strong showing from rookie edge defender Marshawn Kneeland. In just 11 pass-rush snaps, Kneeland was a force on the field, registering four quarterback pressures and two additional plays where he beat his blocker, although he didn’t generate direct pressure from those. His performance was one of the standout moments of the game, indicating his potential as a key defensive player for the Cowboys moving forward.
PFF’s team of analysts was busy grading every player’s performance throughout the game, with detailed grades and data set to be released after a thorough review. This information, including snap counts and standout players, will provide deeper insights into the game. For those interested in more detailed analysis, PFF offers its PFF+ subscription, which provides access to comprehensive stats, grades, and various tools for fantasy football and betting.
In summary, the Cowboys’ preseason victory over the Raiders was marked by a strong special teams performance and a promising display from a rookie defender, while the Raiders’ quarterback situation remains uncertain, with both contenders showing flaws in their performances.
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